Sentinel staff report–
As part of The Sentinel’s coverage of local elections, each candidate was asked a series of identical questions regarding local issues that impact our community directly. Questions cover roads, police, homelessness, taxes, and Sunrise Mall.
The following is a Q&A with Citrus Heights City Council Candidate Jayna Karpinski-Costa, who is currently the incumbent in District 4 and is running for reelection.
For residents who are concerned about the condition of local roads, do you think the city has done enough to address aging roads, and how will you address such concerns if elected/reelected?
We budget an unprecedented $4M/yr from the general fund. We have a 3-year pavement restoration plan. In 2025, we resurfaced 52 centerline miles, compared to 2 centerline miles annually before. Reason: our strategy uses alternative cost-effective methods such as slurry seals and asphalt rubber chip seals. Streets are prioritized based on their PCI (Pavement Condition Index) with preference given to higher PCIs to prevent deterioration.
Most streets in District 4 have very low PCI and will require more than slurry or chips. We need to look for opportunities to add more streets to the city’s improvement schedule each year.
For residents concerned about the Sunrise Mall redevelopment progress: Has the city done enough, and what do you want to continue to see in regard to the Sunrise Mall/Sunrise Tomorrow property?
Finally. The right people have come together to implement the community’s vision for Sunrise Tomorrow. The sale of the property is underway. The Sunrise Sports Complex is committed. We need to create conditions that encourage viable private investment and redevelopment and expedite the processes wherever we can. Expect to see restaurants, retail, hotel, etc. as the project progresses. Sunrise “Mall” will once again be a regional destination!
Due to the CHPD traffic unit being dissolved, specific officers are no longer assigned to each high school. Do you feel police officers should be present at or assigned to monitor school campuses? (such as middle schools/K-8s and/or high schools) Why or why not?
What we had: 2 traffic officers, each assigned to one high school, to conduct traffic enforcement around campuses during school start time/end time. They would be nearby to quickly respond to calls for service.
Now: we have patrol officers that will basically do the same thing, except in a marked vehicle instead of a motorcycle. They will monitor and respond as needed.
San Juan School District has their own Safe Schools Team to provide school security. Our CHPD Investigative Services Lieutenant will continue as our liaison with that team and provide support.
The teamwork model seems to be working successfully.
Homelessness is consistently ranked among the top issues faced by businesses and residents in Citrus Heights. What more do you think the city could do to address homelessness, and what role do you ideally see private organizations playing? (Be specific)
Our city approaches homelessness with a policy of compassion paired with accountability. We fund homeless prevention and food assistance programs but we need to maintain our public spaces and neighborhoods. The county is responsible for shelter, mental health, recovery services and long-term housing support. The city supports a “navigator” to steer those who want help to access the system.
But homelessness is a regional problem and needs a regional solution. Despite millions spent, homlessness has increased 13% in the county. Currently, there is a proposal to allow cities to have a voice in how the state and federal funding is used.
How did you vote on the 1% sales tax increase in 2020 (Measure M), and do you think a sales tax increase could be necessary to meet budget demands in Citrus Heights within the next four years? Why, or why not?
I voted “NO” on Measure M, a 1% sales tax increase that would raise our sales tax from 7.75% to 8.75%. The proceeds would be used for “any lawful municipal service”. Hmmm… It would hurt our businesses and cost families more for a promise of intangible benefits.
I would not support any tax, especially when our cost of living is so high already. Our budget is balanced. We have no debt. Our future looks bright as the Sunrise Tomorrow vision is realized. We need to look for savings in our own budget and not a citywide tax.
*Candidates replied via email, and those who responded to each question in less than 100 words have their answers published word-for-word. Answers exceeding 100 words were edited for length.
